Being a digital nomad is all about having the freedom to live and work on your own terms. The reason people choose to work from remote places and be constantly on the go is first and foremost related to their wish to travel around the world and experience different cultures, while at the same time work just enough to pay for such lifestyle. Most digital nomads opt for countries and regions that are quite different from those they come from and that are hopefully very diverse. It comes as no surprise then that Southeast Asia is one of the most attractive destinations among digital nomads. If you’re contemplating going there or even if you’ve never considered it, you should definitely read the following tips.
Select the right destinations
Take a good look at the map and see if there is a place you’ve always wanted to visit in the region and start planning around your wish. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the range of destinations in SE Asia, since some of the biggest metropolises are there, as well as myriad smaller places, where you can really have a great experience and learn a lot about the local culture.
Book your flights early
To save money on air travel, try to be as flexible as possible with your departure and arrival dates. Since you are a digital nomad, it should be a real issue, but the idea is not to fix a date, but allow a few days or weeks to pass if there is some significant savings to be made on plane tickets.
When to visit?
The answer to this question largely depends on what kind of weather you want to experience. It tends to be hot and humid most part of the year. You probably want to avoid the monsoon rains, which are quite common between June and October, though it may vary depending on the year or the country you’re planning to visit.
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Visa requirements
Each country has different policies when it comes to the length of your stay as a tourist or a business professional. So, before setting off, make sure you check those individual requirements for each country and make sure you obtain all the necessary visas to avoid having problems with the immigration service.
Book accommodation
If you’re planning several short-terms stays while in SE Asia, you should probably look for accommodation through Airbnb, because you can see reviews of other travelers. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a place to stay over a longer period, you’d probably be best off contacting a local agency that specializes in finding long-term rental accommodation. Either way, book your accommodation before the trip instead of relying on finding one on the spot.
Think about your family
If you’re traveling with your family and especially if you have kids in tow, you really need to make sure that they don’t miss out on anything important while on the road. Education is one of such things and you should always look for places where you can find great educational institutions to enroll your kids in, such as the famous Monkey Tree English learning center in Hong Kong. Also, if you’re travelling with your family, you probably won’t change your location very often, because they need some time to settle in and possibly meet friends locally.
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Make copies of all documents
This tip is applicable to every situation, not just traveling to SE Asia. You should take pics or scan your credit cards (front and back), driver’s license, passport, social security car and diplomas and have digital copies that you can access easily from your phone in case you lose the originals or they get stolen.
Insurance
You don’t want to end up needing medical assistance without a proper medical insurance. Contact your insurance company and see what kind of comprehensive policy you can get for your trip. Make sure you (and your family) are well covered, just in case. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but medical problems can arise and you need to know that you’ll be provided the right care without having to pay exorbitant amounts on the spot.
Enjoy
The whole point of being a digital nomad is to combine work and travel. If you’re relocating, but have to spend too much time working, you’ll miss out on great opportunities to make the most of your decision to leave the comfort of your home. So, try to find the right balance between work and fun, because that’s the only way to enjoy your life as a digital nomad.
Traveling around SE Asia can be an unforgettable experience. You can expect amazing countries, beaches, friendly locals, delicious food and adventures that you probably can’t even imagine. However, you need to be prepared well in advance to be able to enjoy all that. Follow these tips and you’ll be on the right track. Safe travels!
